Category 5 Hurricane Beryl Barrels Toward Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Haiti on Alert

Hurricane Beryl continues its powerful march through the Caribbean Sea as a Category 5 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. As of 11:00 AM AST, the hurricane was located about 235 miles southeast of Isla Beata, Dominican Republic, and 555 miles east-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.

The National Hurricane Center has expanded its warnings, now including a Hurricane Watch for the south coast of Haiti from the Dominican Republic border to Anse d’Hainault. The Hurricane Warning for Jamaica remains in effect, with hurricane conditions expected to reach its coast on Wednesday.

Beryl is moving west-northwest at 22 mph and is forecast to maintain this rapid pace through Wednesday before turning more westward on Thursday. The storm is expected to pass near Jamaica on Wednesday, the Cayman Islands on Thursday, and approach Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula by Thursday night.

While some weakening is anticipated, Beryl is likely to remain a major hurricane as it approaches Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Residents in these areas should prepare for potentially life-threatening conditions, including:

1. Strong winds: Hurricane-force winds extend up to 40 miles from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds reaching 175 miles outward.
2. Storm surge: Water levels could rise 5 to 8 feet above normal tide levels in Jamaica, 2 to 4 feet in the Cayman Islands, and 1 to 3 feet along the southern coast of Hispaniola.
3. Heavy rainfall: Jamaica and southwestern Haiti could see 4 to 8 inches of rain, with localized amounts up to 12 inches. Similar amounts are expected in parts of the Dominican Republic, potentially causing flash flooding and mudslides.
4. Dangerous surf: Large swells are expected to create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across the affected areas, including Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.

Residents in the warning areas are urged to complete preparations immediately and follow guidance from local authorities. The next intermediate advisory will be issued at 2:00 PM AST, with a complete advisory at 5:00 PM AST.